Author Archive for Emily Larke

How do you know which birth control methods are best for you? Below is a great chart of the different kinds of birth control methods available and how effective each are. Talk to your doctor about these options and which would work best for you.

Here are some FAQs we’ve heard about birth control.

“I’m taking birth control pills. Does that mean I don’t have to use condoms?”

No. Birth control pills are usually prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, treat cramps, protect against pregnancy, or hormone replacement. They do not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You should continue to use a condom for protection against HIV and STDs, even if you are on birth control pills.

“I’ve heard you can’t get an IUD unless you’ve already had at least one child.”

Not true. You can get an IUD if you’ve never been pregnant. It’s a great option for pregnancy prevention that does not require you to take a pill daily or insert a ring weekly.

“Do antibiotics affect oral birth control pills?”

Rifampin is the only antibiotic shown to interfere with oral birth control pills. No other antibiotics have been shown to interfere with oral birth control pills. A research performed by Harvard in 2011 showed that women who were on the pill and antibiotics were no more likely to get pregnant than those who were not on antibiotics.

“When is the right time to put on a condom?”

Condoms should be put on after the penis is erect and before any oral, vaginal, or anal insertion. This should be done every time you have sexual contact to prevent STDs.